HB 2050: Campaign Spending Commission Package; Partial Public Financing; Appropriation
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2026-05-01
Current Status:
Passed
(2026-06-24: Act 136, on 06/24/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1237).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
Increases the expenditure limit and the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the program. Effective 11/4/2026. (CD1)
Increases the expenditure limit and the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the Partial Public Campaign Financing Program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the Program. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)
Increases the expenditure limit and the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Increases the expenditure limit and the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the program.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2050 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO PARTIAL PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTIONS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the amounts available to candidates in Hawaii's partial public financing program were last significantly amended in 1995. The legislature further finds that since 1995-1996, the value of the dollar has risen to approximately $2.12.
The purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Increase the expenditure limit and the amount of funds available to candidates qualified to participate in the partial public financing program, including candidates for the board of trustees for the office of Hawaiian affairs, who run statewide;
(2) Encourage participation in the partial public financing program by providing for the adjustment of the amount of minimum qualifying contributions required for certain offices;
(3) Increase matching fund payments from $1 to $2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions in excess of the minimum qualifying contribution amounts; and
(4) Appropriate funds from the general revenues of the State to increase the amount of funds available in the partial public financing program.
SECTION 2. Section 11-423, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§11-423 Voluntary expenditure limits; filing affidavit. (a) Any candidate may voluntarily agree to limit the candidate's expenditures and those of the candidate's candidate committee or committees and the candidate's party on the candidate's behalf by filing an affidavit with the campaign spending commission.
(b) The affidavit shall state that the candidate knows the voluntary campaign expenditure limitations as set out in this part and that the candidate is voluntarily agreeing to limit the candidate's expenditures and those made on the candidate's behalf by the amount set by law. The affidavit shall be subscribed to by the candidate and notarized and filed no later than the time of filing nomination papers with the chief election officer or county clerk.
(c) The affidavit shall remain effective until
the termination of the candidate committee or the opening of filing of
nomination papers for the next succeeding election, whichever occurs first. An affidavit filed under this section [may]
shall not be rescinded.
(d) From January 1 of the year of any primary, special, or general election, the aggregate expenditures for each election by a candidate who voluntarily agrees to limit campaign expenditures, inclusive of all expenditures made or authorized by the candidate alone, all treasurers, the candidate committee, and noncandidate committees on the candidate's behalf, shall not exceed the following amounts expressed, respectively multiplied by the number of voters in the last preceding general election registered to vote in each respective voting district:
(1) For the office of
governor--[$2.50;] $3.00;
(2) For the office of
lieutenant governor--[$1.40;] $1.68;
(3) For the office of
mayor--[$2.00;] $2.40;
(4) For the offices of
state senator, state representative, county council member, and prosecuting
attorney--[$1.40;] $1.68; and
(5) For all other
offices--[20] 24 cents.
(e) Notwithstanding subsection (d), a candidate who voluntarily agrees to limit campaign expenditures may elect to allocate up to seventy-five per cent of the candidate's combined aggregate expenditure limit applicable to the primary and general elections to either election; provided that the candidate shall not exceed the combined aggregate expenditure limit applicable to both elections."
SECTION 3. Section 11-425, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§11-425 Maximum
amount of public funds available to candidate. (a)
The maximum amount of public funds available in each election to a
candidate for [the office of governor, lieutenant governor, or mayor shall
not exceed ten per cent of the expenditure limit established in section
11-423(d) for each election.
(b) The maximum amount of public funds available
in each election to a candidate for the office of state senator, state
representative, county council member, and prosecuting attorney shall not
exceed fifteen per cent of the expenditure limit established in section
11-423(d) for each election.
(c) For the office of Hawaiian affairs, the
maximum amount of public funds available to a candidate shall not exceed $1,500
in any election year.
(d) For all other offices, the maximum amount of
public funds available to a candidate shall not exceed $100 in any election
year.]:
(1) The office of governor, lieutenant governor, or mayor of the city and county of Honolulu or the county of Hawaii shall not exceed 12.5 per cent of the expenditure limit established in section 11-423(d) for each election;
(2) The office of state senator, state representative, mayor of the county of Kauai or the county of Maui, county council member, and prosecuting attorney shall not exceed 18.75 per cent of the expenditure limit established in section 11-423(d) for each election; or
(3) The office of
Hawaiian affairs shall not exceed 7.5 per cent of the expenditure limit
established in section 11-423(d) for each election.
[(e)] (b) Each candidate who qualified for the maximum
amount of public funding in any primary election and who is a candidate for a
subsequent general election shall apply with the commission to be qualified to
receive the maximum amount of public funds as provided in this section for the
respective general election.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, a candidate may elect to allocate up to seventy-five per cent of the total maximum amount of public funds available to the candidate for the primary and general elections to either election; provided that the candidate shall not receive public funds in excess of the combined maximum amount otherwise available for both elections.
(d) For purposes of this section, "qualified" means meeting the qualifying campaign contribution requirements of section 11-429."
SECTION 4. Section 11-429, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows:
"(a) As a condition of receiving public funds for a primary or general election, a candidate shall not be unopposed in any election for which public funds are sought, shall have filed an affidavit with the commission pursuant to section 11‑423 to voluntarily limit the candidate's campaign expenditures, and shall be in receipt of the following sum of qualifying contributions from individual residents of Hawaii:
(1) For the office of governor--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $100,000;
(2) For the office of lieutenant governor--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $50,000;
(3) For the office of mayor for each respective county:
(A) [County] City
and county of Honolulu--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate
exceed $50,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $15,000;
(C) County of Maui--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $10,000; and
(D) County of Kauai--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $5,000;
(4) For the office of prosecuting attorney for each respective county:
(A) [County] City
and county of Honolulu--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate
exceed [$30,000;] $25,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$10,000;] $5,000; and
(C) County of Kauai--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$5,000;] $3,000;
(5) For the office of county council--for each respective county:
(A) [County] City
and county of Honolulu--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate
exceed $5,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $1,500;
(C) County of Maui--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$5,000;] $4,000; and
(D) County of Kauai--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $3,000;
(6) For the office of
state senator--qualifying contributions that[,] in the aggregate exceed
$2,500;
(7) For the office of
state representative--qualifying contributions that[,] in the aggregate[,]
exceed $1,500;
(8) For the office of
Hawaiian affairs--qualifying contributions that[,] in the aggregate[,]
exceed [$1,500;] $5,500; and
(9) For all other
offices[,]--qualifying contributions that[,] in the
aggregate[,] exceed $500[.] for one office.
(b) A candidate shall obtain the minimum qualifying contribution amount set forth in subsection (a) once for the election period.
[(1)] If the candidate
obtains the minimum qualifying contribution amount, the candidate [is] shall
be eligible to receive:
[(A)] (1) The minimum payment in an amount equal
to the minimum qualifying contribution amounts; and
[(B)] (2) Payments of [$1] $2 for
each $1 of qualifying contributions in excess of the minimum qualifying
contribution amounts[; and].
[(2)] A candidate shall have at least one other
qualified candidate as an opponent for the primary or general election to
receive public funds for that election."
SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,267,021.06 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be deposited into the Hawaii election campaign fund.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the campaign spending commission for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 7. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on November 4, 2026; provided that section 5 shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Report Title:
Campaign Spending Commission Package; Partial Public Financing; Appropriation
Description:
Increases the expenditure limit and the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the program. Effective 11/4/2026. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2050 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO PARTIAL PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTIONS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the amounts available to candidates in Hawaiʻi's partial public financing program were last significantly amended in 1995. The legislature further finds that since 1995-1996, the value of the dollar has risen to approximately $2.12.
The purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Increase the expenditure limit and the amount of funds available to candidates qualified to participate in the partial public financing program, including candidates for the board of trustees for the office of Hawaiian affairs, who run statewide;
(2) Encourage participation in the partial public financing program by providing for the adjustment of the amount of minimum qualifying contributions required for certain offices;
(3) Increase matching fund payments from $1 to $4 for each $1 of qualifying contributions in excess of the minimum qualifying contribution amounts; and
(4) Appropriate funds from the general revenues of the State to increase the amount of funds available in the partial public financing program.
SECTION 2. Section 11-423, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
"(d) From January 1 of the year of any primary, special, or general election, the aggregate expenditures for each election by a candidate who voluntarily agrees to limit campaign expenditures, inclusive of all expenditures made or authorized by the candidate alone, all treasurers, the candidate committee, and noncandidate committees on the candidate's behalf, shall not exceed the following amounts expressed, respectively multiplied by the number of voters in the last preceding general election registered to vote in each respective voting district:
(1) For the office of
governor--[$2.50;] $3.00;
(2) For the office of
lieutenant governor--[$1.40;] $1.68;
(3) For the office of mayor--[$2.00;]
$2.40;
(4) For the offices of
state senator, state representative, county council member, and prosecuting
attorney--[$1.40;] $1.68; and
(5) For all other
offices--[20] 24 cents."
SECTION 3. Section 11-425, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§11-425 Maximum
amount of public funds available to candidate. (a)
The maximum amount of public funds available in each election to a
candidate for [the office of governor, lieutenant governor, or mayor shall
not exceed ten per cent of the expenditure limit established in section
11-423(d) for each election.
(b) The maximum amount of public funds available
in each election to a candidate for the office of state senator, state
representative, county council member, and prosecuting attorney shall not
exceed fifteen per cent of the expenditure limit established in section
11-423(d) for each election.
(c) For the office of Hawaiian affairs, the
maximum amount of public funds available to a candidate shall not exceed $1,500
in any election year.
(d) For all other offices, the maximum amount of
public funds available to a candidate shall not exceed $100 in any election
year.]:
(1) The office of governor, lieutenant governor, or mayor of the city and county of Honolulu or the county of Hawaii shall not exceed twenty per cent of the expenditure limit established in section 11-423(d) for each election;
(2) The office of state senator, state representative, mayor of the county of Kauai or the county of Maui, county council member, and prosecuting attorney shall not exceed twenty-five per cent of the expenditure limit established in section 11-423(d) for each election; or
(3) The office of
Hawaiian affairs shall not exceed 7.5 per cent of the expenditure limit
established in section 11-423(d) for each election.
[(e)] (b) Each candidate who qualified for the maximum
amount of public funding in any primary election and who is a candidate for a
subsequent general election shall apply with the commission to be qualified to
receive the maximum amount of public funds as provided in this section for the
respective general election.
(c) For the purposes of this section, "qualified" means meeting the qualifying campaign contribution requirements of section 11-429."
SECTION 4. Section 11-429, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows:
"(a) As a condition of receiving public funds for a primary or general election, a candidate shall not be unopposed in any election for which public funds are sought, shall have filed an affidavit with the commission pursuant to section 11‑423 to voluntarily limit the candidate's campaign expenditures, and shall be in receipt of the following sum of qualifying contributions from individual residents of Hawaii:
(1) For the office of governor--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $100,000;
(2) For the office of lieutenant governor--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $50,000;
(3) For the office of mayor for each respective county:
(A) [County] City
and county of Honolulu--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate
exceed $50,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $15,000;
(C) County of Maui--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $10,000; and
(D) County of Kauai--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $5,000;
(4) For the office of prosecuting attorney for each respective county:
(A) [County] City
and county of Honolulu--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate
exceed [$30,000;] $25,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$10,000;] $5,000; and
(C) County of Kauai--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$5,000;] $3,000;
(5) For the office of county council--for each respective county:
(A) [County] City
and county of Honolulu--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate
exceed $5,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $1,500;
(C) County of Maui--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$5,000;] $4,000; and
(D) County of Kauai--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $3,000;
(6) For the office of
state senator--qualifying contributions that[,] in the aggregate exceed
$2,500;
(7) For the office of
state representative--qualifying contributions that[,] in the aggregate[,]
exceed $1,500;
(8) For the office of
Hawaiian affairs--qualifying contributions that[,] in the aggregate[,]
exceed [$1,500;] $5,500; and
(9) For all other
offices[,]--qualifying contributions that[,] in the
aggregate[,] exceed $500[.] for one office.
(b) A candidate shall obtain the minimum qualifying contribution amount set forth in subsection (a) once for the election period.
[(1)] If the candidate
obtains the minimum qualifying contribution amount, the candidate [is] shall
be eligible to receive:
[(A)] (1) The minimum payment in an amount equal
to the minimum qualifying contribution amounts; and
[(B)] (2) Payments of [$1] $4 for
each $1 of qualifying contributions in excess of the minimum qualifying
contribution amounts[; and].
[(2)] A candidate shall have at
least one other qualified candidate as an opponent for the primary or general
election to receive public funds for that election."
SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be deposited into the Hawaii election campaign fund.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the campaign spending commission for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 7. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on March 22, 2075; provided that section 5 shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Report Title:
Campaign Spending Commission Package; Partial Public Financing; Appropriation
Description:
Increases the expenditure limit and the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the Partial Public Campaign Financing Program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the Program. Effective 3/22/2075. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2050 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO PARTIAL PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTIONS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The legislature finds that the amounts available to candidates in Hawaii's partial public financing program were last significantly amended in 1995. The legislature further finds that since 1995-1996, the value of the dollar has risen to approximately $2.12.
The purpose of this Act is to:
(1) Increase the expenditure limit and the amount of funds available to candidates qualified to participate in the partial public financing program, including candidates for the board of trustees for the office of Hawaiian affairs, who run statewide;
(2) Encourage participation in the partial public financing program by providing for the adjustment of the amount of minimum qualifying contributions required for certain offices;
(3) Increase matching fund payments from $1 to $2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions in excess of the minimum qualifying contribution amounts; and
(4) Appropriate funds from the general revenues of the State to increase the amount of funds available in the partial public financing program.
SECTION 2. Section 11-423, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
"(d) From January 1 of the year of any primary, special, or general election, the aggregate expenditures for each election by a candidate who voluntarily agrees to limit campaign expenditures, inclusive of all expenditures made or authorized by the candidate alone, all treasurers, the candidate committee, and noncandidate committees on the candidate's behalf, shall not exceed the following amounts expressed, respectively multiplied by the number of voters in the last preceding general election registered to vote in each respective voting district:
(1) For the office of
governor--[$2.50;] $3.00;
(2) For the office of
lieutenant governor--[$1.40;] $1.68;
(3) For the office of
mayor--[$2.00;] $2.40;
(4) For the offices of
state senator, state representative, county council member, and prosecuting
attorney--[$1.40;] $1.68; and
(5) For all other
offices--[20] 24 cents."
SECTION 3. Section 11-425, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§11-425 Maximum
amount of public funds available to candidate. (a)
The maximum amount of public funds available in each election to a
candidate for [the office of governor, lieutenant governor, or mayor shall
not exceed ten per cent of the expenditure limit established in section
11-423(d) for each election.
(b) The maximum amount of public funds available
in each election to a candidate for the office of state senator, state
representative, county council member, and prosecuting attorney shall not
exceed fifteen per cent of the expenditure limit established in section
11-423(d) for each election.
(c) For the office of Hawaiian affairs, the
maximum amount of public funds available to a candidate shall not exceed $1,500
in any election year.
(d) For all other offices, the maximum amount of
public funds available to a candidate shall not exceed $100 in any election
year.]:
(1) The office of governor, lieutenant governor, or mayor of the city and county of Honolulu or the county of Hawaii shall not exceed 12.5 per cent of the expenditure limit established in section 11-423(d) for each election;
(2) The office of state senator, state representative, mayor of the county of Kauai or the county of Maui, county council member, and prosecuting attorney shall not exceed 18.75 per cent of the expenditure limit established in section 11-423(d) for each election; or
(3) The office of
Hawaiian affairs shall not exceed 7.5 per cent of the expenditure limit
established in section 11-423(d) for each election.
[(e)] (b) Each candidate who qualified for the maximum
amount of public funding in any primary election and who is a candidate for a
subsequent general election shall apply with the commission to be qualified to
receive the maximum amount of public funds as provided in this section for the
respective general election.
(c) For purposes of this section, "qualified" means meeting the qualifying campaign contribution requirements of section 11-429."
SECTION 4. Section 11-429, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows:
"(a) As a condition of receiving public funds for a primary or general election, a candidate shall not be unopposed in any election for which public funds are sought, shall have filed an affidavit with the commission pursuant to section 11‑423 to voluntarily limit the candidate's campaign expenditures, and shall be in receipt of the following sum of qualifying contributions from individual residents of Hawaii:
(1) For the office of governor--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $100,000;
(2) For the office of lieutenant governor--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $50,000;
(3) For the office of mayor for each respective county:
(A) County of Honolulu--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $50,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $15,000;
(C) County of Maui--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $10,000; and
(D) County of Kauai--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $5,000;
(4) For the office of prosecuting attorney for each respective county:
(A) County of Honolulu--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$30,000;] $25,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$10,000;] $5,000; and
(C) County of Kauai--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$5,000;] $3,000;
(5) For the office of county council--for each respective county:
(A) County of Honolulu--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $5,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $1,500;
(C) County of Maui--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$5,000;] $4,000; and
(D) County of Kauai--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $3,000;
(6) For the office of
state senator--qualifying contributions that[,] in the aggregate exceed
$2,500;
(7) For the office of
state representative--qualifying contributions that[,] in the aggregate[,]
exceed $1,500;
(8) For the office of
Hawaiian affairs--qualifying contributions that[,] in the aggregate[,]
exceed [$1,500;] $5,500; and
(9) For all other
offices[,]--qualifying contributions that[,] in the
aggregate[,] exceed $500[.] for one office.
(b) A candidate shall obtain the minimum qualifying contribution amount set forth in subsection (a) once for the election period.
[(1)] If the candidate
obtains the minimum qualifying contribution amount, the candidate [is] shall
be eligible to receive:
[(A)] (1) The minimum payment in an amount equal
to the minimum qualifying contribution amounts; and
[(B)] (2) Payments of [$1] $2 for
each $1 of qualifying contributions in excess of the minimum qualifying
contribution amounts[; and].
[(2)] A candidate shall have at
least one other qualified candidate as an opponent for the primary or general
election to receive public funds for that election."
SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be deposited into the Hawaii election campaign fund.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the campaign spending commission for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 7. Statutory material to be repealed is
bracketed and stricken. New statutory
material is underscored.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000; provided that section 5 shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
Report Title:
Campaign Spending Commission Package; Partial Public Financing; Appropriation
Description:
Increases the expenditure limit and the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the program. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
2050 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2026 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO PARTIAL PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTIONS.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. The amounts available to candidates in Hawaii's partial public financing program was last amended in 1995. The legislature finds that since 1995-1996, the value of the dollar has risen to approximately $2.12.
The purpose of this Act is to increase the expenditure limit and the amount of funds available to candidates qualified to participate in the partial public financing program. This Act increases the amount of funds available to all candidates running for state or county office including for the board of trustees for the office of Hawaiian affairs, who run state-wide. This Act increases matching fund payments from $1 for each $1 of qualifying contributions in excess of the minimum qualifying contribution amounts to $2 for each $1 of excess qualifying contributions. To encourage participation in the partial public financing program, this Act provides for the downward adjustment of the amount of minimum qualifying contributions required for certain offices. Finally, this Act appropriates funds from the general revenues of the State to increase the amount of funds available in the partial public financing program.
SECTION 2. Section 11-423, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
"(d) From January 1 of the year of any primary, special, or general election, the aggregate expenditures for each election by a candidate who voluntarily agrees to limit campaign expenditures, inclusive of all expenditures made or authorized by the candidate alone, all treasurers, the candidate committee, and noncandidate committees on the candidate's behalf, shall not exceed the following amounts expressed, respectively multiplied by the number of voters in the last preceding general election registered to vote in each respective voting district:
(1) For the office of
governor--[$2.50;] $3.00;
(2) For the office of
lieutenant governor--[$1.40;] $1.68;
(3) For the office of
mayor--[$2.00;] $2.40;
(4) For the offices of
state senator, state representative, county council member, and prosecuting
attorney--[$1.40;] $1.68; and
(5) For all other
offices--[20] 24 cents."
SECTION 3. Section 11-425, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"§11-425 Maximum amount of public funds available to
candidate. (a) The maximum amount of public funds available
in each election to a candidate for the office of governor, lieutenant
governor, or mayor of the city and county of Honolulu or the county of
Hawaii shall not exceed [ten] 12.5 per cent of the
expenditure limit established in section 11-423(d) for each election.
(b)
The maximum amount of public funds available in each election to a
candidate for the office of state senator, state representative, mayor of
the county of Kauai or the county of Maui, county council member, and
prosecuting attorney shall not exceed [fifteen] 18.75 per cent of
the expenditure limit established in section 11-423(d) for each election.
(c)
For the office of Hawaiian affairs, the maximum amount of public funds
available to a candidate shall not exceed [$1,500 in any election year.
(d) For all other offices, the maximum amount of
public funds available to a candidate shall not exceed $100 in any election
year.] 7.5 per cent of the expenditure limit established in section
11-423(d) for each election.
[(e)]
(d) Each candidate who qualified
for the maximum amount of public funding in any primary election and who is a
candidate for a subsequent general election shall apply with the commission to
be qualified to receive the maximum amount of public funds as provided in this
section for the respective general election. For purposes of this section, "qualified"
means meeting the qualifying campaign contribution requirements of section 11-429."
SECTION 4. Section 11-429, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows:
"(a) As a condition of receiving public funds for a primary or general election, a candidate shall not be unopposed in any election for which public funds are sought, shall have filed an affidavit with the commission pursuant to section 11‑423 to voluntarily limit the candidate's campaign expenditures, and shall be in receipt of the following sum of qualifying contributions from individual residents of Hawaii:
(1) For the office of governor--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $100,000;
(2) For the office of lieutenant governor--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $50,000;
(3) For the office of mayor for each respective county:
(A) County of Honolulu--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $50,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $15,000;
(C) County of Maui--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $10,000; and
(D) County of Kauai--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $5,000;
(4) For the office of prosecuting attorney for each respective county:
(A) County of Honolulu--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$30,000;] $25,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$10,000;] $5,000; and
(C) County of Kauai--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$5,000;] $3,000;
(5) For the office of county council--for each respective county:
(A) County of Honolulu--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $5,000;
(B) County of Hawaii--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $1,500;
(C) County of Maui--qualifying
contributions that in the aggregate exceed [$5,000;] $4,000; and
(D) County of Kauai--qualifying contributions that in the aggregate exceed $3,000;
(6) For the office of
state senator--qualifying contributions that[,] in the aggregate exceed
$2,500;
(7) For the office of
state representative--qualifying contributions that[,] in the aggregate,
exceed $1,500;
(8) For the office of
Hawaiian affairs--qualifying contributions that[,] in the aggregate,
exceed [$1,500;] $5,500; and
(9) For all other
offices, qualifying contributions that, in the aggregate[,] exceed $500[.]
for one office.
(b) A candidate shall obtain the minimum qualifying contribution amount set forth in subsection (a) once for the election period.
(1) If the candidate
obtains the minimum qualifying contribution amount, the candidate [is] shall
be eligible to receive:
(A) The minimum payment in an amount equal to the minimum qualifying contribution amounts; and
(B) Payments of [$1]
$2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions in excess of the minimum
qualifying contribution amounts; and
(2) A candidate shall have at least one other qualified candidate as an opponent for the primary or general election to receive public funds for that election."
SECTION 5. There is appropriated out of the general
revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $2,400,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2026-2027 to be deposited into the Hawaii election campaign fund.
The sum appropriated shall be expended by the campaign spending commission for the purposes of this Act.
SECTION 6. This Act does not affect rights and duties that matured, penalties that were incurred, and proceedings that were begun before its effective date.
SECTION 7. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect on November 4, 2026; provided that section 5 shall take effect on July 1, 2026.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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By Request |
Report Title:
Campaign Spending Commission Package; Partial Public Financing
Description:
Increases the expenditure limit and the amount of partial public campaign financing available for all elective offices. Adjusts the minimum amount of qualifying contributions certain candidates must receive to participate in the program. Increases the matching fund payments for excess qualifying contributions. Appropriates funds for the program.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| Jun 24, 2026 | Act 136, on 06/24/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1237). |
| Jun 24, 2026 | Act 136, 06/24/2026 (Gov. Msg. No. 1237). |
| May 8, 2026 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 888). |
| May 7, 2026 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 6, 2026 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 816). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Cochran, Garcia, Gedeon, Kitagawa, Matsumoto, Pierick, Reyes Oda voting no (8) and none excused (0). |
| May 6, 2026 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). |
| May 1, 2026 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 05-06-26 |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 159-26). |
| May 1, 2026 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 05-06-26. |
| May 1, 2026 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 159-26) as amended in (CD 1). |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 2 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Kim; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Awa. |
| May 1, 2026 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 4 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Perruso, Belatti, Poepoe; Ayes with reservations: none; 1 Noes: Representative(s) Garcia; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 30, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 05-01-26 2:00PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 29, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-30-26 2:00PM; Conference Room 325. |
| Apr 28, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-29-26 2:00PM; CR 325. |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Tuesday 04-28-26 2:00PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 24, 2026 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Monday 04-27-26 2:00PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 23, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-24-26 3:10PM; Conference Room 325. |
| Apr 22, 2026 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-23-26 2:00PM; Conference Room 325. |
| Apr 21, 2026 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Wednesday, 04-22-26 2:00PM in conference room 325. |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 713). |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Rhoads Chair; Kim Co-Chair; Awa. |
| Apr 20, 2026 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 786). |
| Apr 20, 2026 | House Conferees Appointed: Tarnas, Perruso Co-Chairs; Belatti, Poepoe, Garcia. |
| Apr 16, 2026 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 599). |
| Apr 14, 2026 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 543) in amended form (SD 1). |
| Apr 10, 2026 | Report Adopted; Passed Third Reading. Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none. Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | One Day Notice 04-10-26. |
| Apr 9, 2026 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3618) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading. |
| Apr 6, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, DeCoite, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Richards, Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Lee, C.. |
| Apr 1, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM deferred the measure until 04-06-26 10:31AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 04-01-26 10:03AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 30, 2026 | Reported from JDC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 3284) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in JDC were as follows: 5 Aye(s): Senator(s) Rhoads, Gabbard, Chang, San Buenaventura, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 0 Excused: none. |
| Mar 20, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC has scheduled a public hearing on 03-24-26 9:45AM; Conference Room 016 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Referred to JDC, WAM. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 10, 2026 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 180). |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Passed Third Reading with Representative(s) Matsumoto, Shimizu voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Alcos, Garcia, Gedeon, Kitagawa, Lee, M., Muraoka, Pierick, Reyes Oda voting no (8) and Representative(s) Perruso, Quinlan, Sayama excused (3). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Mar 6, 2026 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1009-26), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 26, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 15 Ayes: Representative(s) Todd, Takenouchi, Hartsfield, Hussey, Kusch, Miyake, Morikawa, Perruso, Templo, Yamashita; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Lee, M., Alcos, Gedeon; 1 Noes: Representative(s) Reyes Oda; and Excused: none. |
| Feb 24, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Thursday, 02-26-26 2:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 10, 2026 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with Representative(s) Alcos, Gedeon voting aye with reservations; Representative(s) Garcia, Muraoka, Pierick, Reyes Oda voting no (4) and none excused (0). |
| Feb 9, 2026 | Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 103-26) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Feb 3, 2026 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 9 Ayes: Representative(s) Tarnas, Poepoe, Belatti, Cochran, Kahaloa, Sayama, Takayama; Ayes with reservations: Representative(s) Garcia, Shimizu; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Hashem. |
| Jan 30, 2026 | Bill scheduled to be heard by JHA on Tuesday, 02-03-26 2:00PM in House conference room 325 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 28, 2026 | Referred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 3 |
| Jan 26, 2026 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Pending introduction. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| May 6, 2026 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 10, 2026 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
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| Apr 6, 2026 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
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| Mar 24, 2026 | The committee(s) on JDC recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Judiciary |
Passed |
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| Mar 6, 2026 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
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| Feb 26, 2026 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
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| Feb 3, 2026 | The committee on JHA recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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|---|---|---|
| Campaign Spending Commission | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Hawaii Alliance for Retired Americans | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action | ** Support | |
| Hawaiʻi Workers Center | *** Support | Feb 3, 2026 |
| Imua Alliance | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Indivisible Hawaiʻi | *** Support | Mar 24, 2026 |
| Keoni Ana AOAO | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Kokua Council | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| League of Women Voters of Hawaii | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
| Office of Hawaiian Affairs | *** Support | Apr 1, 2026 |
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1009-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2050
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 2050, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PARTIAL PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTIONS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Increase the expenditure limit and amount of funds available to candidates qualified to participate in the Partial Public Financing Program, including candidates for the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, who run statewide;
(2) Encourage participation in the Partial Public Financing Program by providing for the adjustment of the amount of minimum qualifying contributions required for certain offices;
(3) Increase matching fund payments from $1 to $2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions in excess of the minimum qualifying contribution amounts; and
(4) Appropriate general revenues for deposit into the Hawaii Election Campaign Fund to increase the amount of funds available for the Partial Public Financing Program.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs; Campaign Spending Commission; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; Imua Alliance; League of Women Voters of Hawaii; and numerous individuals. Your Committee received testimony in opposition to this measure from one individual.
Your Committee notes concerns regarding the lower percentage of the expenditure limit of public funds available to candidates for the Board of Trustees of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs compared to the percentage available to candidates for other public offices that are not statewide offices.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2050, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
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____________________________ CHRIS TODD, Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 103-26
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2026
RE: H.B. No. 2050
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2026
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs, to which was referred H.B. No. 2050 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO PARTIAL PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTIONS,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose of this measure is to:
(1) Increase the expenditure limit and the amount of funds available to candidates qualified to participate in the Partial Public Financing Program, including candidates for the Board of Trustees for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, who run statewide;
(2) Encourage participation in the Partial Public Financing Program by providing for the adjustment of the amount of minimum qualifying contributions required for certain offices;
(3) Increase matching fund payments from $1 to $2 for each $1 of qualifying contributions in excess of the minimum qualifying contribution amounts; and
(4) Appropriate funds from the general revenues of the State to increase the amount of funds available in the Partial Public Financing Program.
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Campaign Spending Commission; League of Women Voters of Hawaii; Imua Alliance; Hawaiʻi Alliance for Progressive Action; and numerous individuals.
Your Committee finds that the expenditure limits and funding amounts under Hawaii's Partial Public Financing Program have not been updated in many years and no longer reflect present-day campaign costs. Your Committee further finds that strengthening the Partial Public Financing Program would bolster publicly funded elections by expanding the reach of many small donors and relieving candidates of the need to rely on the support of special interest groups or large donors.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the appropriation to an unspecified amount;
(2) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(3) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
Your Committee respectfully requests your Committee on Finance, should it deliberate on this measure, to consider an appropriation amount of $2,400,000.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2050, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 2050, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Judiciary & Hawaiian Affairs,
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____________________________ DAVID A. TARNAS, Chair |
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Date
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Testimony PDF
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|---|---|
| Apr 1, 2026 | HB2050_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_04-01-26_.PDF |
| Mar 24, 2026 | HB2050_HD1_TESTIMONY_JDC_03-24-26_.PDF |
| Feb 26, 2026 | HB2050_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-26-26_.PDF |
| Feb 3, 2026 | HB2050_TESTIMONY_JHA_02-03-26_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
2MIN
Senate Floor
3MIN
Conference Committee
37SEC
Conference Committee
48SEC
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
48SEC
Conference Committee
2MIN
Conference Committee
6MIN
Conference Committee
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):